The Open Mat presents awards annually in three categories for each division of college wrestling at the conclusion of the season. Awards are presented for Wrestler of the Year, Freshman of the Year and Coach of the Year.

The Open Mat NCAA Women's Freshman of the Year: Madison Avila (North Central)

A year ago, Madison Avila wrapped up her high school wrestling career at Madera High School with a fifth-place finish at the California State Championships. This year, Avila became the second national champion for North Central's women's wrestling team. She finished her freshman campaign with a 20-7 record, which included a runner-up finish at the Midlands and a conference championship. Due to a few in-season losses and a runner-up finish at regionals, Avila entered the national tournament as the No. 4 seed.

Avila opened her national tournament with a controlled 4-0 shutout win over Isabella Morales of Colorado Mesa. In the quarterfinals, Avila defeated Presbyterian's Samantha Miller for the second time this season, this time 5-4. The victory clinched her All-America status as a true freshman, and the road was about to get significantly tougher. In the semifinals, Avila was matched up with No. 1 Jessica Corredor of King. In their two previous meetings, Corredor beat Avila by technical fall and a 6-4 decision. The third time was the charm, as the North Central freshman used two takedowns and two arm bar turns for a lopsided 9-0 victory.

In the finals, Avila faced Tiffin's Jenavi Alejandro, another star true freshman who took out the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds to make the finals. A freshman champion would be crowned at the 101-pound weight class. Down 3-1 with a minute remaining, Avila used a double leg to put Alejandro on her back and grab a 5-3 lead, which she would not relinquish. After her national championship victory, Avila said, "It's not too bad of a freshman year if you ask me." The Open Mat agrees, naming Madison Avila the NCAA Women's Freshman of the Year.